Syracuse Volleyball Struggles in 3-0 loss to #22 North Carolina

By Zac Ventola | @ZacVentola

Chapel Hill, N.C. – In its first match back on the road, Syracuse volleyball (6-14, 1-10 Atlantic Coast Conference) was swept again. The ‘Cuse was dominated by 22nd-ranked North Carolina (15-4, 10-1 ACC). While SU rallied in the third set, the first two were quick wins for UNC. 

The Orange have struggled historically against the Tar Heels, with just a 3-15 record all-time. SU’s last win against UNC came in 2022. 

The first set went North Carolina’s way with ease. Although Syracuse came out of the gates hot with a 2-0 lead, and carried some of that momentum into being down 9-8, UNC quickly flipped a switch. The Tar Heels scored six consecutive points. When the ‘Cuse finally sided out, North Carolina responded again with  five points in a row. In the end, SU dropped the first set 25-11.

While the second set had the same result as the first, it came in an inverted fashion. UNC raced off to a quick lead, going up 8-2. While the ‘Cuse began to claw back, North Carolina quickly regained its footing with six consecutive points, then six points in a seven point span. Although the Orange went back-and-forth with the Tar Heels at the end of the set, Syracuse still dropped it by the same margin, 25-11.

While the third set was closer, it was ultimately too little, too late. The Tar Heels led by just one point at the media timeout, but pulled away toward the end by scoring six of the final seven points. UNC took the final set by a 25-20 deficit.

The Orange offense struggled all night long, with middle blocker Abby Nicholson leading the way with just six kills. SU outside hitter Kiernan Stamey had four kills, her fewest in a match this season.

The ‘Cuse still seeks its first road win of ACC play. Its next opportunity to do so comes Sunday at 1:00 p.m. against Duke  (15-6, 7-4 ACC).

For coverage of the Orange vs. Blue Devils  and the remainder of Syracuse volleyball’s season, follow @ZacVentola and @CitrusTVSports on X.